AUSTIN, Texas – The SEU/Arkansas-Fort Smith match lived up to its top-billing Saturday. The Hilltoppers battled back from down 2-0 to force a fifth set before finally suffering their first conference loss 3-2. 

It was clear early that this match was going the distance as high energy emanated from the gym. Despite a late, first set run the Hilltoppers were unable to complete the comeback, falling 26-24. ALEXA MCANDREW and KATE HENDRIX posted four kills each in the set while MORGAN BECKHAM had eight digs.

Arkansas-Fort Smith rode the momentum into the second set. SEU battled, taking advantage of Lion hitting errors to get back in the game, eventually regaining the lead 17-16. UAFS took the lead back 23-21, but a well-placed timeout by Head Coach Stefanie Holler refocused the 'Toppers to tie the set 23-23. The Lions were able to secure the final two points to win 25-23 and go up 2-0 in the match.

St. Edward's pressed on and built a five point lead early in the third set, holding onto the lead midway through, 17-12, thanks to three kills from MELISSA MCNEIL early on. The Lions clawed back to within two, 18-16, but SEU would not be denied the set win, taking it 25-20.

The Hilltoppers continued their tough play at the net to take the lead 5-1 in set four and pressed on to lead 13-10, thoroughly frustrating Arkansas-Fort Smith. Despite briefly relinquishing the lead, SEU closed the set on a 6-0 run to win 25-22 and force a fifth set.

UAFS was strong early in the fifth, racing to eight and closed out the win while holding SEU to -.043 attack percentage in the final set.

Hendrix led with 16 kills on the afternoon while McAndrew added 15, MADDIE MIKSCH 11 and MELISSA MCNEIL 10. JULIA HARTLEY added 27 assists and 21 digs to the mix while Beckham ended with 28 digs. 

St. Edward's falls to 11-7 on the year and 1-1 in Heartland Conference play. They return to the road to face Dallas Baptist on October 2 at 7 pm.